Riverside Methodist Hospital physician receives national award

recognizing contributions to community clinical research

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Riverside Methodist Hospital’s medical director of Cancer Research and principal investigator of the Columbus Community Oncology Program, Philip J. Kuebler, MD, PhD, has been awarded the David King Community Clinical Scientist Award by the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC).

The award is given to physicians who are active community clinical research leaders, demonstrating leadership in developing, participating, and evaluating clinical studies. Honorees are also active in the development of new screening, risk assessment, treatment, or supportive care programs for cancer patients.

“Dr. Kuebler is a well-respected Hematologist Oncologist whose dedication to research is demonstrated by his extensive patient enrollment in clinical trials; he is also a champion for research by supporting and encouraging other community physicians to do the same,” said Anna Hensley, MBA, RT(T), director of Riverside Methodist’s Cancer Services and a member of the Board of Trustees for the ACCC.

During his career, Dr. Kuebler helped expand the Columbus Community Clinical Oncology Program to encompass most of central and southern Ohio and include more physicians and nurses. Currently, Dr. Kuebler serves on the Executive Working Group for Colorectal Cancer in the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), and is participating in the design of future phase III trials within the group. Other involvement includes serving on the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Gastrointestinal Steering Committee, which approves all phase III trials in GI cancer sponsored by the NCI. Dr. Kuebler also works as an oncologist at Columbus Oncology Associates, Inc.

“I am honored and humbled that a premiere organization of private cancer centers, such as ACCC, considered me for this award,” said Dr. Kuebler. “But I am no more deserving than other clinical oncologists who participate in clinical research. It is only by performing clinical research that we are going to advance the science of oncology to better treat our patients.”

ACCC’s prestigious award is named after David K. King, MD, FACP, who passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Dr. King spent his entire life caring for individuals with cancer and advocating for access to quality care, while also championing the Community Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) and the value of clinical research in the community setting. Award winners become lifetime members of the ACCC National Academy of Community Oncology Scientists, which will serve as a valuable resource to ACCC, the National Cancer Institute, pharmaceutical companies, and other organizations involved in community cancer research.

Dr. Kuebler was honored at ACCC’s 34th Annual National Meeting, April 3, in Baltimore.